So I want a new mobo, RAM and SSD for the OS/app drive. I'm already using onboard HDMI and it's great. I think this mobo might work for my needs but I would want an i5 Sandy bridge or what ever those cpus are. I've been away for a while and need to catch up on the tech. I'd like for the build to handy 3D. Think this mobo will still work for me? I'm going to go look over the guides and see what's recommended.

I think its just amazing that such solid systems can be built for under $300.

Also highlights how, as prices continue to drop, how big a chunk of the total the cost of Windows has become for us normal humans, and how big a price advantage the big commericial builders have when they're only paying $10 or so for an OEM license.

Also highlights how, as prices continue to drop, how big a chunk of the total the cost of Windows has become for us normal humans, and how big a price advantage the big commericial builders have when they're only paying $10 or so for an OEM license.

Why pay for a MS license If it's solely going to be a HTPC? Linux or pirate. I understand that the latter may not be appropriate for some, but even if selling let the person know upfront and that that's where a large part of the discount comes from.

Why pay for a MS license If it's solely going to be a HTPC? Linux or pirate. I understand that the latter may not be appropriate for some, but even if selling let the person know upfront and that that's where a large part of the discount comes from.

Why pay for a MS license If it's solely going to be a HTPC? Linux or pirate. I understand that the latter may not be appropriate for some, but even if selling let the person know upfront and that that's where a large part of the discount comes from.

Quote:

Originally Posted by assassin

You must be joking. I would never allow this.

Unbelievable.

This is why the rest of us end up paying $100.

I'm still struggling to figure out why "pirating" is "ok" because it's "solely going to be an htpc." Does that somehow make it less stealing than if it was a desktop or laptop?

Oh no it's stealing for sure. But if I'm selling an HTPC to someone and tell them you can either buy a legit or save money on a pirate, 98% are going to go with the pirated. And the reason you're paying $100 a pop is not because of pirating, if anything it drives the price down. Im not condoning I'm just asking the simple question why not? Support the little guys 100% but I lose no sleep at night for my pirated copies of Windows. If this is an issue use Linux for your HTPC. Hard to beat free and your little conscience is worry free

Oh no it's stealing for sure. But if I'm selling an HTPC to someone and tell them you can either buy a legit or save money on a pirate, 98% are going to go with the pirated. And the reason you're paying $100 a pop is not because of pirating, if anything it drives the price down. Im not condoning I'm just asking the simple question why not? Support the little guys 100% but I lose no sleep at night for my pirated copies of Windows.

Seriously? You would knowingly sell pirated copies of Win7 to people.

Wow. No thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joeforsale

If this is an issue use Linux for your HTPC. Hard to beat free and your little conscience is worry free

No thanks. You try troubleshooting a Linux computer to someone who has limited PC knowledge let alone Linux+PC knowledge. No thanks. People can (and do) tinker and change things. Linux is not a great choice for a PC company like mine.

No thanks. You try troubleshooting a Linux computer to someone who has limited PC knowledge let alone Linux+PC knowledge. No thanks. People can (and do) tinker and change things. Linux is not a great choice for a PC company like mine.

No that's my point, I wouldn't charge for
the OS if its pirated. If you set it up right, troubleshooting XBMC on Linux is the same as Windows. If someone is computer illiterate, troubleshooting either OS is equally as hard.

Just think how much more I could save on my htpc if I'd shoplift some SDRAM and an SSD while I'm at it. Same thing.

Do you always go the speed limit? Because if you don't (which I highly doubt anyone does) you're breaking the law. Now you can justify it any way you want to, but you're breaking the law. Pirating is obviously the cheapest way to get Windows, but I don't recommend it for everyone. The buyer may not feel comfortable. Building pcs may be your main source of income, definitely not a bright move to use pirated versions of Windows.

I'm not trying to step on toes. I believe we're all
adults and can discuss things of this nature without getting too upset with others that may not share the same view. I won't mention pirating Windows anymore here since it obviously seems to be a sore spot for some.

Do you always go the speed limit? Because if you don't (which I highly doubt anyone does) you're breaking the law. Now you can justify it any way you want to, but you're breaking the law. Pirating is obviously the cheapest way to get Windows, but I don't recommend it for everyone. The buyer may not feel comfortable. Building pcs may be your main source of income, definitely not a bright move to use pirated versions of Windows.

I'm not trying to step on toes. I believe we're all
adults and can discuss things of this nature without getting too upset with others that may not share the same view. I won't mention pirating Windows anymore here since it obviously seems to be a sore spot for some.

It makes no difference if you charge for it or not. The end result is you just sold a htpc with a pirated copy of windows to someone.

I also pay $15 for each and every version of Media Browser that I use. I probably don't have to as I could just download the same thing for free but this would also be illegal. So in the end I have paid hundreds of dollars to Media Browser because its the right thing to do.

Now if people want to use their htpc for illegal downloads and rips (technically backing up a bluray that you own to your hard drive is illegal) , then thats fine and their choice. But they won't be getting any illegal software or media/movies from us.

I agree. But if I am upfront with the buyer and they are ok with it, there is no issue between the two parties. I would never lie to someone about the version of windows that is on their HTPC. I do draw a line at some point

I agree. But if I am upfront with the buyer and they are ok with it, there is no issue between the two parties. I would never lie to someone about the version of windows that is on their HTPC. I do draw a line at some point

Until the buyer or a competitor turns you in (better hope you have 100% customer satisfaction scores). Not something I would ever condone. It does cost more to do things the right way and to not cut corners but in the end its much more fulfilling.